Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is generally limited to a direct review of the evidence considered by the AOJ. The Board finds that remand is required for the psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and knee claims due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's skin disability, which includes onychomycosis in the toenails with psoriasiform dermatitis, is rated at a maximum of 60 percent. The Board granted this rating as it found that his use of topical corticosteroids for treatment met the criteria for such a rating. However, service connection for a left shoulder disorder and chronic sinusitis was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition manifested by seborrheic dermatitis, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted on an extraschedular basis beginning May 6, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since then.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for right ankle, left shoulder, and dermatitis claims.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae and acne not involving the face area are rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The Veteran is denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae and denied a compensable initial evaluation for acne (not involving the face area) prior to November 8, 2018.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected depression and pseudofolliculitis. He is also granted special monthly compensation for aid and attendance, but not at the housebound rate.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral ankle, hip, and foot conditions on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected left knee condition. Service connection for nummular dermatitis is also granted as it is related to his Persian Gulf War service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's skin conditions and his in-service exposure, specifically herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's right total knee replacement is rated at 60 percent since August 1, 2020. The Board also granted eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for athlete’s foot and acne, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Veteran's lichen simplex and eczema have been rated at 60 percent since July 2, 2014. The Board found that the evidence showed these conditions covered more than 40% of his exposed areas.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. However, his bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.,The Board has found that there was no substantial compliance with prior remand directives regarding joint conditions and vertigo.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 60 percent evaluation for service-connected skin conditions, finding no factual basis to support such a change and noting that there was no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to the June 25, 2013 claim. The Board also denied the claim for clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the February 1969 rating decision.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 9, 2010 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD/psychological disorder, along with other service-connected disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since April 9, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis is rated at a 30 percent initial evaluation from December 20, 2019, to the present. Separate evaluations of 10 percent are granted for scars associated with pseudofolliculitis on the left chin, right chin, and upper anterior neck.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding his skin disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The initial rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence, including a lack of examination during a flare-up and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's skin disorder is currently rated at 30 percent.